By Amanye

March Madness, one of the more exciting times of the year when it comes to basketball, is fast approaching.  Major teams are being noticed during this time such as Kansas Jayhawks, UCLA Bruins, Villanova Wildcats, Gonzaga Bulldogs, and North Carolina Tar Heels.

Central students are excited about the tournament.  “It is the high play of basketball and anything can happen, upsets can happen, and you just have to come prepared because it’s do or die, win or go home,” said varsity basketball team captain senior Runako Ziegler.

So what can Viking fans look forward to?  The Kansas Jayhawks have had an amazing season only one game away from the ending of the regular season with a 28-3 record. Frank Mason III leads them in scoring and assists this year with 20.5 points per game and 5.1 assists per game.

UCLA’s Bruins have amassed an outstanding record of 28-3 with one more game left in the regular season. Bryce Alford leads them in scoring with 16.5 points per game and Lonzo Ball leads in assists per game with 7.8 assists per game.

Twenty-eight wins must run in the league as the Villanova Wildcats finished their season with a 28-3 season on the year. Josh Hart leads them by scoring 18.7 points per game and Jalen Brunson leads them in assists with 4.3 assists per game. Senior Ondrakus Smith says he favors Villanova to win the National Championship.

Gonzaga’s Bulldogs finished the season completely with a 32-1 which was the best record in the season. Nigel Williams-Gross leads them in scoring and assists with 16.9 points per game and 4.8 assists per game.

The North Carolina Tar Heels have one more game left, but so far, are doing great with a 26-6 record on the season. Justin Jackson leads them in scoring with 18.3 points per game and Joel Berry II leads in assists with 3.7 assists per game.

Of course, with March Madness, anything can happen.  “March Madness is one of the best times of the year because you have certain teams, that you never hear about, win games and become top 10 teams,” senior Lamarr Jones said.
One thing that is for sure is that fans are in for the long haul.  “Why is it March Madness when it ends in April,” wondered senior Morris Kirkland, with the thought that March Madness should really be named “April Madness” or make the tournament begin in March and end in March.